Soropa Blog

Cancer of the mesothelium has a few major symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing caused by pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats

The most common signof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.

It is key to understand that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.

Malignant mesothelioma is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
• Burning up
• Vomiting
• Hoarseness
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.

A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.

These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical symptoms, to make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.